Haughton, West Monroe, Byrd athletes among those recognized at NFF banquet

The S.M. McNaughton Chapter of the National Football Foundation recognized eight North Louisiana scholar-athletes at a banquet Tuesday night at Shreveport’s East Ridge Country Club.

Each of the 2021 graduates received a $500 scholarship, a plaque and were entered into the College Football Hall of Fame data base.

Also recognized at the banquet were former LSU and NFL standout Johnny Robinson with the Distinguished American Award, while West Monroe football coach Jerry Arledge received the Contribution to Amateur Football Award.

ALL-CITY FOOTBALL: Members of the 2021 Times All-City football team

Airline’s Bo Meeks and Haughton’s Jason Brotherton were honored as co-Coaches of the Year.

Scholar-Athlete capsules

Alex Auer

Captain Shreve/Lamar

Why selected: The former Gator punter/kicker was a Shreveport Times All-City selection after averaging 40.9 yards per kick his senior season. Auer had a 4.62 GPA and scored a 32 on the ACT. He signed with the Cardinals in December.

Trace Barnett

Cedar Creek/Mississippi State

Why selected: Barnett posted a 3.94 GPA and a 34 ACT score after making the All-Lincoln Parish team for the Cougars. He was the 2021 state powerlifting champion in his weight class, while being an NHS member and in the Ping Pong Club.

Micah Griffin

Winnfield/Northwestern State

Why selected: An LHSAA Academic All-State selection in both football and basketball, Griffin was first in a class of 72 graduates with a 4.0 GPA. He worked at Winn Parish Medical Center as a summer employee during the pandemic.

Brayden Hermes

Byrd/Louisiana Tech

Why selected: A two-time Shreveport Times All-City defensive back, Hermes also played wide receiver and was a punt returner for the Jackets. He had a 4.66 GPA, finishing 45th in a class of 425. He was a key leader in Byrd’s drive to the LHSAA D-I title game.

William Klink

While serving as the school’s Student Council president, Klink was first in a class of 51 with a 4.0 GPA. He was All-State as a senior and was selected three times as an All-Northeast Louisiana offensive left guard.

Lane Little

West Monroe/UL Monroe

Why selected: Little signed with the Warhawks in baseball after finishing first in a class of 502 with a 3.96 GPA. He was an All-State pitcher for the LHSAA Class 5A finalists. Little was LHSAA Academic All-State in football and baseball. 

Jake St. Andre

Haughton/UL Lafayette

Why selected: The Times All-City Defensive Player of the Year, St. Andre finished 29th in a class of 259 with a 4.0 GPA. He was chosen for the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl. He also played basketball and baseball.

Patrick Vienne

St. Mary’s/LSU-Eunice

Why selected: Vienne played tackle, defensive end, linebacker and punted at various times while maintaining a 3.45 GPA with 30 ACT score. The All-State baseball player will continue his career at LSUE.

Twitter: @JimmyWatson6